Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has spoken publicly about Myles Turner’s unexpected decision to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks. On the Green Light with Chris Long podcast, produced by Yote House Media, Carlisle shared his thoughts on the departure of the veteran center who had been with Indiana for a decade.
“Losing Myles Turner is a significant loss for our team,” Carlisle said. “I mean, the guy has been a terrific player; he had a great season. Look, we were talking to [his agent] about him returning and really kind of out of nowhere, Milwaukee decided to waive Damian Lillard and stretch his contract, stretch his money, out over whatever number of years he could do it by rule and then they created space to sign Myles.”
Turner, who joined the Pacers as the 11th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, spent his entire career in Indianapolis before signing a four-year, $107 million deal with the Bucks on July 7. His departure follows a strong 2024–25 campaign, where he played a pivotal role in helping the Pacers reach the NBA Finals.
Carlisle suggested that Milwaukee acted quickly and decisively, leaving Indiana with no chance to match the offer. “I believe that is what probably happened with Milwaukee,” he explained. “They just jumped at it and there was never a chance to counter. Those things happen. And when they do, you just gotta keep going.”
During his tenure with Indiana, Turner became the franchise’s all-time leader in blocked shots and earned a reputation as one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors. He averaged 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game over 10 seasons, with a league-leading 3.4 blocks per game in the 2020–21 season.
The Bucks’ move to create cap space by waiving and stretching Lillard, followed by signing Turner, reshapes their frontcourt significantly. Turner now joins a Milwaukee squad aiming to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference after a disappointing finish last season.
